Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said police would not stop the movement of farm produce, including flowers and betel leaves, in the state, sending a message that possible steps would be taken to minimise the impact of the lockdown on the rural economy.

The chief minister said farmers cultivating flowers and betel leaves would be allowed to take their produce to nearby markets in cities or towns. Krishak Bazars, where vegetable-growers sell their produce directly to the customers, will function normally, she told a news conference at Nabanna.

“The police and the administration have been instructed to allow all such produce.… There are several farmers who cultivate flowers in Howrah, Hooghly, the Sunderbans and Midnapore. The farmers involved in cultivation of flowers will be allowed to bring their produce to the markets,” Mamata said.

She said the administration would ensure that the flower markets open from Thursday.

The Gobal Advisory Board that will counsel the chief minister. Sourced by Correspondent

A source said the chief minister had received complaints that the farmers were facing hurdles in selling flowers and betel leaves because of the lockdown. Similar complaints from vegetable-growers had also reached Nabanna, the source added.

“Although central guidelines allow the movement of all agricultural produce, farmers cultivating flowers and betel leaves were facing trouble as the police did not allow them to take their crop to the city’s markets. Moreover, the flower markets were also shut down by the administration,” said a senior official.

The chief minister, sources said, asked senior officials to look into the matter, particularly when the lockdown guidelines did not impose any restrictions on the movement of farm produce.

“The chief minister was informed that there might be a lack of clarity among a section of officials on what could be allowed during the lockdown. The chief minister then decided to announce it publicly that no agricultural produce should be prevented,” said an official.

Mamata said: “If they (the farmers) can’t sell agricultural produce in the markets, those would be damaged. As we were receiving complaints that those involved in trade of milk were facing trouble, we allowed sweetmeat shops to open between 12 noon and 4pm.”

Sources said the chief minister’s intervention was timely as the economy in large parts of Howrah, East Midnapore, South 24-Parganas, Nadia and East Burdwan heavily depends on flower, betel leaf and vegetable farming. If the situation remains unchanged for a few more days, the farmers will run up huge losses.

“She cannot allow the rural economy to take a beating…. The chief minister wanted to ensure that farmers don’t face a drastic drop in incomes as it will create unrest in rural Bengal,” said an official.

A section of officials said the chief minister’s initiative would give some hope to the flower and betel leaf farmers but it was yet to be ascertained whether the farmers would get the right price for their produce.

“The demand for flowers is not so high during the lockdown as large gatherings are not allowed during this period. So, receptions and marriages are not taking place. It is not clear where the farmers would sell their produce,” said a source.

The betel leaf farmers could also face the same problem as paan shops have not been kept out of the purview of the lockdown yet.